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1073days since the 2015 Central Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Festival!

"We went to a party at the Hamerstroms' the other night
and thought we were back with you in Rappahanock County. They are the prairie
chicken people, heat their house with wood, carry their water. They had four
pies on the floor when we came in and three live musicians (and a silent poet)
who played dishwashing music for the dishwashers after supper. Incidentally,
the first pie was an hors d'oeuvre - wild mushrooms, cooked in a delectable
crust made with bear fat. Desert was a mince-peach pie and rhubarb raisin, but
the crust was outstanding and I am trying to learn how. Fran Hamerstrom says
she puts as much lard in as the flour will hold, cuts it in with a single
blade, adds as little water as possible, and rolls it quickly, crumbly and in
raggedy edges. If it looks awful, it will taste fine. They don't shoot bears,
but some hunter gave them bear grease, and it is very delicate in flavor."

Edith Nash, 1981, Hamerstrom Stories: Recollections of the life of Hammy and Fran Hamerstrom

Be a Vendor or Exhibitor

The Festival Needs YOU

The Prairie Chicken Festival wouldn't be such a success without great vendors
and exhibitors! Take advantage of our big crowds and low fees by vending your
goods and services or setting up your display at two great venues.

Visit our store to pay on-line or print the registration form
to send with a check. If you prefer to pay in person, stop by our office during
normal business hours at 1100 Main Street, Suite 150 in downtown Stevens Point.